The qualifying examination for both the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Higher Education is based on the six (6) core courses, and it focuses on the integration of knowledge from across the six core courses and the application of such knowledge to a significantly broad based question rooted in research, policy or practice. Doctoral students will be considered officially “matriculated” in the higher education program after completing the 18-credit core and successfully passing the written qualifying examination. The exam will be distributed via email and is due approximately one week later (May 16 at 5:00pm).
The comprehensive assessment is a performance-based assessment administered upon completion of most required coursework. The comprehensive assessment provides the opportunity to systematically explore research and theories that are directly related to a potential dissertation topic. Upon successful completion, students will be advanced to candidacy for the degree. The comprehensive assessment should be completed before students can register for Dissertation Seminar I. A preparation session for the comprehensive alternate assessment is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2014 in Jubilee Hall 231 from 4:00pm – 4:30pm and will be facilitated by Drs. Chen and Stetar. The exam will be distributed the same day.